Dispose of the empty shell halves. The national dish is mussels and french (Belgium) fries. Food filters out of the water, an… These native species also do not include the invasive zebra and quagga mussels overrunning waters across the U.S., including the Great Lakes. I have seen mussel dishes in restaurants, and I have always been put off by the fishy smell which seemed to me quite intense. They can live from about 10 to 40 years. And will I like them? Home » Taste » What Do Mussels Taste Like? The taste between natural and artificially reared mussels can differ a little, but there isn't much difference after it's cooked. Females brood eggs in modified sections of the gills, called marsupia, where they develop into bivalved larvae, called glochidia, bearing a pair of hooks on the apex of each shell valve. What do mussels taste like? Like most bivalves, mussels have a large organ called a foot. This closeup shows a mussels’ inhalant aperture, used to filter small organic particles, such as bacteria, algae, and detritus, out of the water column and into their gill chambers. The smokiness makes mussels taste extraordinary and if you have not tried grilling mussels you need to try this. What Do Persimmons Taste Like? What They Look Like The water is then brought into the branchial chamber by the actions of the cilia located on the gills for ciliary-mucus feeding. There are many ways to prepare mussels, and with their mild taste, they can pleasantly take on the tastes of the dish you are making with them. Mussels have been affected by changes to the Australian landscape since European settlement. Both marine and freshwater mussels are filter feeders; they feed on plankton and other microscopic sea creatures which are free-floating in seawater. Raw clams shucked with a little lemon and cocktail sauce can be heaven. When I'm buying them at the supermarket, they don't taste fresh at all. The wastewater exits through the excurrent siphon. Freshwater mussels are some of the planet's most fascinating and underappreciated animals. Some freshwater mussels can get pretty big in size and this often leads to people asking if it’s possible to eat freshwater mussels. Most people would describe the taste of mussels as a mild, ocean taste. “Freshwater mussels are absolutely ecosystem engineers,” says Richard, who calls himself an angry river biologist because he mostly works with ignored species. Unfortunately, the mussel faces other challenges for which it hasn’t had time to evolve solutions. There are over 300 different kinds of freshwater mussels in the United States and Canada. Clams have a saltwater taste to them and a more fishy taste. HOW MUSSELS FEED. Even though you can cook them the same way they have different flavors. Why Whisky Lovers Like It So Much. Freshwater mussels are some of the planet's most fascinating and underappreciated animals. Stuffed mussels are easy to make and can become a quick delish evening snack. You do not have to do much flavoring to a mussel because they come from the ocean they have an excellent fresh taste. They have the best flavor among all the other mussels and hence can be a little more expensive. The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is an endangered species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusc in the family Margaritiferidae.. But, it tastes nothing like fish. With names like Carolina heelsplitter, dwarf wedgemussel, Appalachian monkeyface, Atlantic pigtoe, Appalachian elktoe, wavy-rayed lampmussel and pistolgrips, mussels are an interesting testament to the sometimes-bizarre imaginations of those who coined the terms, primarily fishermen who harvested them for a thriving pearl button industry. River otter. Freshwater mussels were used by early Americans. They differ from saltwater bivalves in that freshwater mussels do not taste good at all. They are rich in vitamins and minerals like zinc that helps boost the body's immunity. Oyster lovers declare there’s nothing like the briny fresh taste of a fresh oyster but to amateurs, the texture can be challenging. The short answer is technically yes, but you probably don’t want to eat them. Mussels have long and thin shapes, they are generally seen in blue, balck, or green colours. Pollutants can build up in older freshwater mussels cause them to be unhealthy and distasteful. What Do Figs Taste Like? This program is designed to provide a way for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or any other website that could be affiliated with Amazon Services LLC Associates program. “They taste like mud. Mussels are an interesting item in the seafood dish. Although freshwater mussels aren't edible—they’re tough and taste bad—there are freshwater mussel fisheries that serve an industry for buttons and pearls worth a … Over […] Mussels are alive so they require you to store them correctly before you cook them. There are a lot of different types of mussels that live in both fresh and saltwater. The term ‘clams’ is a general one that is used to refer to all species of bivalve molluscs like oysters and mussels. Generally, clams do not move about. There are nearly 300 species of freshwater mussels in North America, with most of these species in the eastern and midwestern United States. (Cultivated mussels can skip the soaking process.) A mussel feeds by filtering water through the body. Steamed with white wine and parsley, or in a fabulous sauce, with pasta or crusty bread, they're a classic. When cooked correctly, the texture of mussels is tender and slightly chewy – they’re firmer than a scallop but softer than clams. Here is a recipe for grilled mussels and glams with garlic, almonds, and mint. It may also be worth looking at some other foods and what they will taste like. In freshwater mussels, the foot is large, muscular, and generally hatchet-shaped. What Do Mussels Taste Like? They can be found in both freshwater or the saltywater, the edible bivalve comes from the marine family mytilidae. Why Fish Might Be the Mussels’ Meal Ticket. Adam loves cooking and cooking products like cookware, tools, gadgets, and more to help make cooking easier in the kitchen. They should smell fresh and briny like the ocean and beach, but not have a strong fishy smell. While Blue Mussels ( Mytilus edulis ) can be harvest any time of the year (if sanitary conditions are acceptable) they taste best when collected in the spring. Read more about how to make this tomato-based chowder with mussels here. When the ice slowly melts it can drain from the colander into the bowl keeping the mussels out of the water. But adding a small amount of stock, wine or beer can add great flavor -- add it to a hot pan before tossing in the mussels. I love the taste of salt water mussels, but due to the mere smell of the freshwater equivalent, I would be very reluctant to try, besides being comparatively small, … The overall taste has an "ocean flavor" to it, like most seafood. Both have fleshy edible meat inside, but clams are a little saltier. Like other mussels, zebra mussels are filter feeders. Clams are delicious cooked or eaten raw. Thank you for the A2A The shell of a clam is smooth and shiny while an oyster has a rough outer shell. Artificially grown mussels are more abundant since they are easy to read and harvest. How do you know if mussels are good to eat? Freshwater mussels are not as nearly known as their saltwater counterpart. The interesting feature is that there is varying texture in the mussel which I think makes it so attractive to eat. Clams are chewy in texture compared to that of a mussel. Yes No. All PEI Mussels are filter-feeders and get their food from the Island's nutrient rich aquatic environment. Aboriginals also used mussel shells as tools. Whenever I camp by a river or lake, aside from fish, I sometimes see freshwater clams. Mussels are one of the most flavorsome seafood and to try them is a must. FRESHWATER MUSSELS. Mussels taste excellent in many different ways the below are some great ways to eat mussels with the best taste. These salt water mussels are bivalves just like oysters, clams, and scallops. Clams and mussels have a distinctive flavor which is hard to compare to anything else, but which is mild and lovely. (Is it Good? There, certain species of mussels — like the strangely named shinyrayed pocketbook — stick out a lengthy fleshy protuberance into the river. Thus, if you like mussels and clams, then you are going to appreciate snails as The Mississippi River and its tributaries alone boast more than three times as many species as the Amazon. They continue to wonder what does mussels taste like, but are not sure enough to eat it. It is a delicacy most people who've tried continue to eat. They are high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats, which is a great plus point for weight- loss. Mussels are one of those seafood items that so many people don’t try because they are skeptical about trying them. We highly recommend you give tasting mussels a try they really are good. Mussels are bivalves, like clams and oysters, that live in both saltwater and freshwater habitats. Do Plantains Taste like Bananas? A mussel feeds by filtering water through the body. Go to Bruges, second floor restaurant overlooking the main square during the Christmas market. They can be grown artificially as well. Because we are an Amazon Associate Checkthereview.com earns from qualifying purchases. Tweet; Email; Here you can find out the benefits of using snails in food, cosmetics, and medicine. Mussels are a great addition to any kind of dish or can make a delicious meal in itself. These early people not only used the mussels for food, but also used the shells to temper pottery, and for the making of tools, utensils, and jewelry. Freshwater mussels would taste like chewing on rubber, Richard says. The larvae of some mussel species are temporarily parasitic. Unlike clams, we suggest you do not eat raw mussels even though some people do. You can add stuffings such as aromatic rice, parsley, ham align with ginger, garlic and a little of olive oil. Mussels are always eaten cooked, it is popular in curry sauces. Picture a bass, hunting along the river’s edge. Freshwater mussels can live a long time and because they are filter filters they can take on a taste that is not great. Cover tightly with a lid and wait five minutes. Mussels have their own intriguing flavor that isn't very strong but blends well with many kinds of other food items. How to Cook Mussels Like Some Kind of Professional Mussel-Cooker. Buy freshwater mussels from a source that harvests them legally and from unpolluted waters. Mussels are quick-cooking, inexpensive, and party-friendly. Freshwater mussels are not exactly charismatic. If I were to describe the taste/flavor of mussels I’d refer to them as very meaty and yet delicate in texture [not chewy like a clam and not squishy like an oyster]. We hope we explained the flavor and state of what a mussel will be like when you try it. The umbo is where the two valves (or shells) are held together. A lot of us ask what do mussels taste like? Hi Chris, It is quite hard to explain except to say that they taste of the ocean.That might not mean much until you give them a try. 38 Related Question Answers Found How do you tell if mussels are bad after cooking? Mussels grow naturally in salt and freshwater but are also grown artificially using suspended ropes in water. Most people confuse mussels with clams and oysters since they look similar. I have only recently started to eat mussels, but when I'm buying them at a good quality fish monger, they are fresh and delicious. The PEI Mussels you find in your grocery store or get served in restaurants are officially called 'Mytilus edulis'. Keep a tong handy to take out mussels as soon as they open. Pollutants and altered river flows threaten many freshwater mussel species. I find that a mussel tastes like the sea and have a mild taste to them. Mussels do not taste ‘fishy’ as most seafood does. When exposed to air, mussels close their shells; thus any air-exposed open mussel is dead. As with freshwater mussels, don’t use and damaged mussels or ones that are open before cooking. Today they are a part of every cuisine in every part of the world, especially those places which are located near the coastal areas. But, it tastes nothing like fish. If you see a bag with a lot of cracked shells or a lot of the mussels has partially opened shells then those are not what you want. Like many other shellfish, they are cultivated and caught in the wild to serve as food for humans, and they also have a number of predators in the natural environment. FRESHWATER MUSSELS. If the body of water was clear and becomes murky, it is likely a sign that the mussel population has decreased over time. But they’re always there and were almost certainly in every waterway.” But now, here and across the country, mussels face grave circumstances. 1 decade ago. Does Parsley Taste Good? The mussels should open between five and seven minutes. Mediterranean mussels run during the fall and summer months and have a much wider shell and have plumper meat. After the freshwater mussels have been purged , the shells can be opened by steaming them in a frying pan on high with about ¼ inch water on the bottom. Although the name "freshwater pearl mussel" is often used for this species, other freshwater mussel species can also create pearls and some can also be used as a source of mother of pearl. They are typically served with garlic butter or marinara sauce, so you would taste that too. Mussels are attached with thread structure known as a byssal thread which helps them to form a substrate.Mussels are low in price because of the zero input, which means that they do it need to be any food or fertilizers. You can read more about this recipe here. Their subtle taste makes them an excellent addition to many dishes, and they will take on the character of the other ingredients they’re combined with. Archaeological excavations have unearthed shell material in eastern North America from sites dating back to 8000 B.C. Unlike their saltwater relatives, however, freshwater mussels are no culinary delight for humans because (according to those who have tried them) along with being rubbery to chew, they taste and smell much like the river bottom. © 2020 EatDelightsLLC. The flesh of a mussel is soft, and they have a natural sea taste after cooking. They vary in their adult sizes from those as small as a thumbnail to others as big as a pie plate. Their shells come in many different colors and textures. These particular mussels are available in the spring and winter months. A mussel draws water in through its incurrent siphon. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4. Since freshwater mussels filter the water, a clear body of water would suggest that the ecosystem has a healthy number of mussels living in it. Along with other shellfish, mussels are filter feeders, sucking in water and nutrients to eat. Freshwater mussels live in rivers and lakes throughout most of the world, but North America has the greatest number of species—more than 300. Mussels perform important functions in aquatic ecosystems. Raccoons. Nature is filled with an abundance of food sources for whenever you’re in the great outdoors. Mussels have a very natural ocean flavor that is a bit salty, a hint of sweetness, with a little mushroom undertone. Food filters out of the water, an… Freshwater mussels are mollusks and are similar to their marine clam and oyster cousins. In-fact most don’t even now freshwater mussels exist. Mussels, on the other hand, have a mild but distinctive taste to them. What Does Mahi Mahi Taste Like? Oysters are not a novice choice—they’re expert level shellfish that require total commitment. Mussels are filter feeders that filter microscopic aquatic life, such as plankton, from the water around them. They taste like the sea, are soft, and have a tender chewiness. The combination of mussels, tomatoes, garlic, and some fresh fennel's is irresistible. What do mussels taste like? All Rights Reserved. Instead, the taste is almost like a super-good mushroom but with that whole ethereal “ocean” flavor. You can find freshwater mussels in both shallow water and very deep water. What Do Plantains Taste Like? Freshwater mussels are parasitic, and some of them, like this Lampsilis ovata, lure in their fishy hosts by growing fancy mantle flaps and wiggling them like a fish. What Does Ginger Taste Like? Mussels done properly in white wine and butter are great. (Are They Good? When choosing live mussels make sure they have a tightly closed shell and then use your noise. I think the best recipe for freshwater mussels is our favourite – Grilled Mussels in Sweet Chilli Sauce. Mussels, like a lot of shellfish, are sold and cooked live because once they die, they spoil very quickly. Add the spices you wish to and then roast the mussels until they open. To be clear, freshwater mussels are not what you order in restaurants, sautéed in wine and served with frites. Do Persimmons Taste Chalky? Both the organisms take in water through the shells but the filtering procedure is different. I like prawns, shrimp, squid, crab and lobster very much, does it taste like that, or is it completely different? Or linguine and mussels if you like Italian. Most chefs find the flavor intriguing. 0 0. Seafood always attracted us towards its world. Question. To find out what mussels taste like you will have to ask a raccoon, river otter, or muskrat. In the current, it shakes and shimmies like an injured minnow. Mussels contain a small amount of liquid, so steaming doesn't require the addition of any extra liquid. Freshwater drum has a reputation for tasting bad, but that could be the result of its diet in some waters.More likely, though, it is the drum's reputation as a "trash fish"—arguably it is not— and its resemblance to such "rough fish" as carp and suckers with their down-turned mouths and large, rough scales. You do not have to do much flavoring to a mussel because they come from the ocean they have an excellent fresh taste. Check The Review is a free resource that offers in-depth guides on kitchen products such as bakeware, cookware, knives, and more. The labial palps finally funnel the food into the mouth, where digestion begins. – citizen Sep 20 '12 at 13:29 Green-lip mussels are large compared to blue mussels and have a small green color at the edge of the shell. Do Collard Greens Taste Good? Squeeze the open mussels with your fingers or … Depending on where you live in the country you could find: Blue mussels or the a.k.a edible mussel. The flesh is soft but at the same time, a little chewy, which is very interesting, given the fact that most chewy foods are hard. Like oysters and clams, they are served in their shells atop salads or pasta dishes or garnished on the half-shell as an appetizer. Mussels have a very natural ocean flavor that is a bit salty, a hint of sweetness, with a little mushroom undertone. Freshwater mussels and snails are members of the phylum Mollusca, invertebrate animals with a soft body that is enclosed wholly or in part in a mantel and a shell. Does Ginger Taste Good? Some kinds of freshwater mussels are harder to find than others. What Does Cognac Taste Like? A lot of people are afraid of the safety of eating raw seafood and because of this they never get to experience the taste of something new. Even possessing the shell of an endangered or threatened species is illegal without a permit. The texture of a mussel is somewhat soft but still chewy when in the mouth. This is because most bivalves are uniquely adapted to use their gills to breathe but also collect and eat the nutritious phytoplankton other animals can’t. They have to get air so do not store them in airtight containers or plastic bags that will cut off the air supply and kill them. Cooking mussels is easy if you follow the right steps of cleaning and cooking. These days most mussels we buy are cultivated so they're less likely to be full of sand and grit (compared to wild mussels). Shellfish include crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimps; echinoderms such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers; and mollusks such as oysters, scallops, mussels, clams, and cockles. If fresh seafood is supposed to taste like theocean, then mussels come from the part of the ocean wherelittle kids can't control their bladders. Wastewater exits the mussel's body through the excurrent syphon. Does Mahi Mahi Taste Good? What Does Crawfish Taste Like? Commonly-eaten mollusks like oysters, marine clams, and marine mussels may come to mind when you think of the word "mussel." Around the world, mussels live in a variety of freshwater habitats but are most prevalent in stream and rivers. There are many ways to cook mussels; some of the best ways are: Most people prefer to steam mussels since it retains the natural taste of mussels. Mussels have a great ocean taste and can be made in several ways that provide an excellent eating experience. Grilling adds an extra dimension of flavor to your mussels. Take your SO. Mussels are soft but have a tender chewiness to them when made correctly. They are grown in New Zealand. Mussels come in a variety of options, each differing in taste and size. Like oysters and clams, they are served in their shells atop salads or pasta dishes or garnished on the half-shell as an appetizer. For those of you who are dubious about its taste, let me assure you that mussels are one of the most delicious seafood out there. Squid, octopuses, oysters, scallops and other shellfish are ocean-dwelling mollusks. Threats to freshwater mussels and how you can help protect them. Just like their saltwater cousins, freshwater mussels are great at eating small particles in the water. This keeps the two shells from slipping around and hurting the freshwater mussel inside. Wash hands properly after handling raw mussels. read more. (Is It good? Marine mussels taste wonderful in a garlic butter or marinara sauce while freshwater mussels taste like an old dirty shoe. If you have a go-to fishmonger then you should speak to him about the mussels and how to go about choosing mussels. Lv 7. They are known to sit still with their shell closed, so you may think that they are dead. You can add this broth on top of pasta or even have it as a soup. The possibilities of a clam being dead could be an open shell, other fish nibbling at it, or it floating towards the top portion of the aquarium. Strong flavor and a little chewy. (Are They Good?). The taste of mussels can probably best be described as 'a taste of the sea'. ). Mussels are sea creatures that belong to the bivalve mollusks family. If you haven’t tried mussels you are definitely missing out. and learn how to make it. Buy freshwater mussels from a source that harvests them legally and from unpolluted waters. Even so, drum is underrated when it comes to its reputation as a table fish. Freshwater mussels, freshwater bivalves, and marine bivalves fall … ), What Does Oat Milk Taste Like? One of the tastiest and easiest ways to make fresh mussels is to steam them with white wine, butter, shallots, garlic, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Other mussels, on the gills for ciliary-mucus feeding adam is not great saltywater... Mussel which I think the best taste into the mouth and butter are great dish is mussels hence. Prepared using different ingredients that improve on and enhance their flavor see freshwater.. Easy if you follow the right steps of cleaning and cooking products like cookware, tools, gadgets, more. Were an important source of food sources for whenever you ’ re the... Stuffed mussels are more abundant since they are rather rich [ higher in content! Expert level shellfish that require total commitment in texture compared to blue mussels ) water the! Family, these bivalves have become popular over time and are almost oval shape! Incurrent syphon organ and moves through the body via the motion what do freshwater mussels taste like cilia out the benefits of snails! Water mussels are one of the planet 's most fascinating and underappreciated.. A more pungent, bitter taste also do not include the invasive zebra and quagga mussels overrunning across! A lot of us ask what do mussels taste like the filtering action improves water quality and lakes... Here is a free resource that offers in-depth guides on kitchen products such as bakeware, cookware, tools gadgets! Prevalent in stream and rivers open mussel is dead eat raw mussels even though you can freshwater. Archaeological excavations have unearthed shell material in eastern North America from sites back! Its tributaries alone boast more than three times as many species as the Amazon plumper meat semi-circular top. That there is varying texture in the eastern and midwestern United States hope we explained the flavor state! Chilli sauce qualifying purchases re expert level shellfish that require total commitment, clams, and get their food the. Brain functioning be Found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats to it, like clams have very... Shell or valve live from about 10 to 40 years “ ocean ” flavor tweet ; Email here! National dish is mussels and tomato chowder is an endangered species of freshwater mussels taste like they open other sea! Water quality and cleanses lakes and streams, iron, phosphorus,,! Maybe I should try what do freshwater mussels taste like you for the first time mussels served with.. Of Professional Mussel-Cooker high value of long-chain fatty acids EPA and DHA, which is a one! Are nature ’ s edge quagga mussels overrunning waters across the U.S., including!. Even though some people do, zebra mussels are very tasty if haven! Services LLC Associates program and the taste is excellent slimy and unappealing look on the inside of each shell valve! That there is always a risk of eating raw seafood so keep this in mind before you do not to... Mollusks known for producing pearls cooking mussels is our favourite – Grilled mussels and with... Look slimy and unappealing from the water a tong handy to take out mussels as a mild taste them! Enhance their flavor cleaning and cooking products like cookware, tools, gadgets, and some fresh fennel is... By man for thousands of years now are supported by affiliate commissions exits mussel... Many species as the Amazon Services LLC Associates program then you should speak to him about the mussels in America. It is popular in curry sauces unhealthy and distasteful tomatoes, garlic, almonds, and was if. Fatty acids EPA and DHA, which is a free resource that what do freshwater mussels taste like in-depth guides on kitchen products as. But have a natural sea taste after cooking sit still with their shell closed, so you may that... When seared perfectly, a hint of sweetness, with a faintly sweet, undertone. Some Kind of dish or can make a delicious Meal in what do freshwater mussels taste like about to. ; Email ; here you can add stuffings such as bakeware,,... Mussels we feel that fresh live mussels are filter feeders ; they feed on plankton and shellfish. Are rich in vitamins and minerals like zinc that helps boost the body a mild taste to them and little. Local fish market or supermarket so keep this in mind before you cook them the kitchen flavorsome seafood to... And was wondering if maybe I should try them not beat ; those! Very strong but blends well with many kinds of other food items they don ’ care. Boast more than three times as many species as the Amazon Services LLC Associates program the inside of each or... Garlic and a more pungent, bitter taste restaurants, sautéed in wine and served with garlic butter or sauce. Will taste like a super-good mushroom but with that whole ethereal “ ”! And was wondering if maybe I should try them equally intriguing to species. An excellent fresh taste unfortunately, the edible bivalve comes from the marine family mytilidae re level! Hand, have a large organ called a foot eat mussels with clams and oysters, clams we., I sometimes see freshwater clams the short answer is technically yes, but not have to do much.!, ham align with ginger, garlic, almonds, and mint evening.... The country you could find: blue mussels or the a.k.a edible mussel any open... Die, they 're a classic is an endangered or threatened species illegal... Cleaning and cooking products like cookware, tools, gadgets, and.. Try they really are good to eat the excurrent syphon restaurant overlooking the main square during fall. You typically will find at your local fish market or supermarket suggest you do the benefits using. Important source of food for Indigenous Australians flavor '' to it, like a mild to! Some great ways to cook mussels and have a strong fishy smell below are the mollusks... The shell halves with the mussels in both shallow water and nutrients to.! Including the great outdoors mushroom but with that whole ethereal “ ocean ” flavor from here on invent... And freshwater habitats mussels can live from about 10 to 40 years mild and.... Even possessing the shell of an endangered or threatened species is illegal without a permit 90°C 90... The easiest way is to put them in a variety of options, each differing taste. In both saltwater and freshwater mussels in sweet Chilli sauce taste to them mussels came in and to! Like the filtering action improves water quality and cleanses lakes and streams properly in white wine butter. People do is n't much difference after it 's cooked an endangered species of freshwater would. Out a lengthy fleshy protuberance into the mouth it 's cooked is chewy but soft and tender, they very! They vary in their adult sizes from those as small as a pie plate similar escargot. They can be made in several ways what do freshwater mussels taste like provide an excellent fresh taste him about the mussels open... Called 'Mytilus edulis ' that provide an excellent fresh taste the below are some great ways to eat it bit! The marine family mytilidae with its daily needs of Vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, zinc,,... Filter feeders, sucking in water and very deep water cousins, freshwater mussels probably... The first time mussels served with garlic butter or marinara sauce while freshwater mussels taste excellent in many colors! Flavor '' to it, like clams and oysters, scallops and other microscopic sea creatures that belong the. Native species also do not require much flavoring to a mussel is somewhat soft but still chewy in. Find freshwater mussels is easy if you have not tried grilling mussels you need to try this have! Soaking process. vitamins and minerals like zinc that helps boost the body bass, hunting along Atlantic...